Roger S. Oraze Elementary School, located in Fresno, Calif., was recently recognized with an award of merit at the AIA San Joaquin Design Awards.

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Paying homage to its location amid acres of almond orchards, Roger S. Oraze Elementary School draws inspiration from its rural vernacular and has become a beacon of community pride. Designed to reflect the agricultural heritage of California’s Central Valley, the campus is a modern ranch, blending indoor and outdoor learning environments through the use of abundant glass, outdoor quads, and meandering trails. The buildings mimic the color and design of classic barns. Classroom wings are designed to take advantage of daylighting through the use of high ceilings and clerestory windows, minimizing the need for artificial light. A large multipurpose room, library, and administration building and a series of three classroom buildings complete the campus.